For those who have been keeping up with my Mandarin Oriental exploits then this is the third installment. Today I shall review one of Singapore’s finest five star hotels and let you into the world of Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

I have stayed at a variety of hotels in Singapore but none have come as close to the perfect stay that you get at MO. I last stayed here in 2007 when the hotel was just branded as The Oriental, however Mandarin Oriental have since renamed the property under their full brand, just to make you aware in case you read reviews on either of the properties, they are in fact the same. Just look for the ‘fan’ logo of the company.

I was staying in Singapore in between a trip from Malaysia to Australia and given my love for MO I knew this would be a good choice. Suffice to say I was not disappointed.

Booking

I booked my two night stay in Singapore via the hotel directly, however you can book online should you need to. I booked a club room for £125 a night and also requested the limousine transfer service from Changi airport.

The hotel would send one of their cars for £50 return to Changi for a Mercedes-Benz S Class transfer. The perfect way to get to and from the hotel after a long flight!

Arrival

Upon arrival at Changi Airport I cleared customs to be greeted by the Mandarin Oriental driver waiting with my name on a signboard. He eagerly took my bags and led me to the waiting car. As we drove into Singapore he offered lots of top tourist tips for my stay and gave me guidance on the attractions nearby to the hotel. The MO is situated in Marina Bay near the city’s major financial district and commands brilliant views over the skyscrapers and harbour. Nearby you can find an abundance of shopping malls and also Singapore’s top entertainment centre, The Esplanade.

Within twenty minutes from leaving the airport I recognized the logo of the hotel and we soon swept into the driveway, greeted by extravagant fountains and an impressive entrance. Everything was as expected, typically MO!

Check In

As appears to be common practice in other MO properties when using their limousine transfer service I was greeted by a duty manager who immediately escorted me to my room. On arrival I was advised the hotel had just been through a multi million pound refurbishment and it was clear they had pulled out all the stops. The reception was grand and imposing and just behind was the central lift lobby, which soared high into the open atrium of the property. Standing from the bottom the architecture was stunning and you could see all the way up to the top of the hotel. It was amazing!

Once we had taken the glass elevator to the 24th floor I was escorted to my room. We completed the paperwork within the room and the manager highlighted the key points of the room and club lounge benefits to me before leaving me alone to explore!

The Room

The hotel has three main room categories, standard, club and suite. Both club and suite also include access to the club lounge.

My room was a club room, which had sweeping views over the financial skyscrapers and the marina bay beneath.

Due to the recent refurbishment the room had been styled in a contemporary Asian style and all fixtures and fittings were in excellent condition.The room was fitted with the following,

• Excellent king sized bed with the finest linen and pillow selection. A dream to fall off to sleep in and leaving you to wake up refreshed!
• TV with full selection of satellite channels
• Complimentary wireless broadband
• International telephone
• Drinks tray and fully stocked minibar
• Writing desk and seating area.
• Large built in wardrobe.
• DVD Player and surround system. The sound system had ipod connectivity allowing you to blare out your favourite tunes across the room or bathroom!

The bathroom was extremely bright and as per the standard anticipated, it had been designed with the finest marble and granite and extremely powerful shower. Toiletries had been imported from Molton Brown and there were lots of towels and bathrobes to keep you comfy!

Club @ Mandarin Oriental

A large part of any major hotel chain is now the provision of an Club Level or Executive Level where guests in these rooms are extended a variety of privileges. Those at MO included,

• Access to the club lounge where complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, beers, champagne and canapé’s would be served.
• Full soft drinks service all day
• Complimentary access to the business centre and boardroom should you need to hold a meeting
• A wide selection of the latest magazines, international newspapers and books.
• Five pieces of complimentary laundry/pressing/dry cleaning every day.
• Complimentary internet access
• Complimentary butler service where required.

The club level on average in MO is around an extra £25 a night compared to the standard rooms and in my opinion is worth every penny. The staff get to know you on a more personal basis and aim to deliver to your every whim and requirement. Remembering your favorite beverage of how you like your eggs made in the morning. Again they want to know you for the right reasons and it is extremely endearing. When you go to leave at the end of your stay you can settle your bill at the Club reception and the staff will pass you their best wishes!

Restaurant/Bar

With five restaurants and a bar you will find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to eat or drink. I can only tell you about my experience in one of these restaurants but will give you an overview of what else you can find should you stay.Cherry Garden serves traditional Cantonese cusine in a contemporary environment. The menu is varied and you will be hard pressed to not find what you are looking for. The standard of food looks excellent and would be worth a visit!

Melt – The World Café provides an international buffet all day from breakfast, lunch and dinner. The selection is worldwide and there is plenty of choice and certainly looks impressive.

Wasabi Bistro is a Mandarin Oriental staple and provides traditional Japanese food and excellent sushi selections. I have never eaten here so cannot give you any more than that!

Axis bar and lounge serves a selection of cocktails and alcohol in a modern contemporary environment. The perfect way to start or end your evening!

Arguably one of the best restaurants in Singapore is the franchised Moreton’s steakhouse. Bringing the finest steaks to you all the way from Chicago, Moretons flies in the meat and vegetables from the states and gives you the true USA steakhouse experience. The prices are expensive with a meal for one coming in at around £60 considering you will be paying to fly the raw materials in which I know isn’t very environmentally friendly but the taste is exceptional and I do know that locals will fly in from all over the region to dine here. It really is that exceptional!

Dolce Vita is a terrace restaurant situated next to the outdoor pool on the 3rd floor. Serving a selection of Italian cuisine whilst you absorb the imposing skyline all around you!

Facilities

The hotel can cater for a wide variety of events and has conference rooms, ballrooms and smaller more intimate private rooms all available for corporate hire. The hotel is large enough for leisure guests to enjoy themselves with peace and quiet even if a large event is taking place. You won’t feel the impact.

The hotel has an extremely modern gym with the latest cardio and weight training equipment. Staff are employed to provide assistance and even a personal training session can be booked. All part of the service!

As with all other Mandarin Oriental properties, MO Singapore plays host to a MO Spa. Taking traditional Asian spa rituals and providing relaxing experiences and treatments at reasonable prices. Certainly worth a visit if you feel you need a bit of pampering!

Outside on the third floor is a very large swimming pool. There are lots of sun loungers around the pool and plenty of staff on hand to support you should you need it.

Back inside the hotel there is also a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Parking is available however I do not know the cost of this.

Breakfast

Each morning I took my breakfast in the club lounge. The service was fantastic and the spread is one of the best I have seen. A selection of Western and Asian dishes that are sure to fill you up. There is a buffet selection and you can place orders for more particular dishes, which is served in a timely fashion. The room service selection also looked to be of the same high standard as a waiter wheeled it past me in the corridor!

Check out

After my two day stay in Singapore the time came to fly on to Malaysia. I settled my account in the club lounge and met the car to take me back to Changi airport. Everything was efficient as my arrival and I was soon making my way back home. Everything about the MO was expected and they truly delivered some memorable moments of delight for me.

Summary

Mandarin Oriental is one of the best full service hotel chains I have ever experienced. When faced with a wide selection of hotels in Singapore you may ask why should I choose this property over another?

The main area that makes the MO stand out is the service. Singapore is known to be very straight laced and efficient, however whilst the hotel is efficient you will get traditional warm Asian service that makes you feel really welcomed. I have stayed in other Singaporean hotels and none make me feel as welcome as this one.
Give it a try and see for yourselves!

Stay completed April 2007. Booked via the hotel direct or you can look at www.mandarinoriental.com and book online.

Enjoy your stay!